Opponents of Comcast-NBC Merger Speak Out in Congress

For Immediate Release

Opponents of Comcast-NBC Merger Speak Out in Congress

Sen. Bernie Sanders says mega-merger will raise rates and harm the public

WASHINGTON - Sen.
Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) submitted a letter to the Federal Communications
Commission Tuesday calling on the agency to deny approval for the
proposed merger between Comcast and NBC Universal based on a failure to
meet public interest requirements, the likely harm to competition, and
the anticipated rise in cable rates. The letter also criticized Comcast
for moving to restructure NBC while the deal is still pending before the
FCC and Justice Department.

Joel Kelsey, political adviser to the Free Press Action Fund, made the following statement:

"Comcast is already rearranging the deck chairs at NBC with little
regard for the antitrust review in progress at the Department of Justice
and the FCC, and we are glad to see leaders in the Senate like Bernie
Sanders speaking out. Comcast would like to pretend this is already a
done deal and hope no one else notices what a disaster this merger would
be for the public -- but that won't work.

"Comcast is expected to spend $100 million trying to push through
this deal. Unfortunately in politics today, money too often buys
silence. But, we hope more leaders will join Sen. Sanders and other
members of Congress in calling on the FCC to protect competition and
consumers in reviewing this merger."

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Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net

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